THE GARDEN of a famous Victorian author is being gradually transformed thanks to a big community effort.

A local volunteer group ‘Friends of Skerryvore’ have been sprucing up the gardens of the Skerryvore memorial park in West Cliff Road, which was the home to Robert Louis Stevenson and his wife Fanny from 1884 to 1887.

Nearly two years on from the group's appeal for volunteers, the garden is in the process of being restored.

One of the volunteers said: "Six or more of us meet approximately every three weeks on a Saturday to give the garden a makeover and, among those, Reverend Chris Colledge has led this activity in response to a real need here by introducing 'Friends of Skerryvore'.

"The number consists of litter pickers, some from the Rotary and others who have an interest in the garden.

"The garden does need upkeep and constant maintenance. We want to enhance the area by making it as nice as possible."

Lavender has recently been planted along the low walls of the garden as well as a variety of tall plants.

The grass and hedges are also cut, helping the garden to remain tidy.

The volunteer added: "It gives us all a good feeling to know the garden is being gently restored for the benefit of all those who come to enjoy its tranquil ambience, walk their dogs, or who just want to sit and enjoy the peace that surrounds it.

"It's important to do this for the community and we want to have the garden as a tourist attraction for people who know it's Robert Louis Stevenson's garden. I often go there myself as it's a lovely place to be, it's so peaceful."